Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “design validations”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 271 records · Page 15

Mars Pathfinder Airbag Impact Attenuation System

The Mars Pathfinder spacecraft, scheduled for launch in December 1996, is designed to validate a low cost Entry, Descent, and Landing system and to perform scientific surface operations. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories teamed to design, fabricate, test and validate a prototype 0.38 scale model of an airbag impact attenuation system. A computer code was developed to predict the performance of the airbag system. A test program in Sandia's High Altitude Chamber was performed to validate the code and demonstrate the feasibility of the airbag concept and design. In addition, freefall tests were performed at representative velocities to demonstrate the structural integrity of the airbag system design. The feasibility program demonstrated that the airbag impact attenuation design will protect the lander upon impact with the Martian surface.

Mars Pathfinder↗

Validation of large space structures by ground tests

The paper presents concepts designed to validate, through the use of ground tests, mathematical models of continuous type structures and structures comprised of interconnecting subsystems. For continuous-type structures, a multiple boundary condition test approach is considered in which the basic idea is to perform a large number of tests using artificial boundary conditions from which good ground test data can be obtained. The test ensures an arbitrarily large number of test data for use in the validation and updating of the mathematical model. Another approach, applicable to structures comprised of subsystems, involves the identification of significant structural elements for the system dynamic model which are not validated by standard modal tests of the subsystems.

Wada, B. K.↗

Melni Line Splice Report

Melni Technologies LLC has developed a line splice technology that can be 3D printed and promises market improvements in the form of lower cost and superior mechanical properties. The new 35 kV line splice design is working its way through go/no-go testing to validate the design and hit project milestones. This report provides an initial high potential (HIPOT) testing result for a go/no-go design approval decision. The test resulted in a “go” decision.

24 - POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

A stable high-humidity bubbler design to supply steam for solid oxide electrolysis cells

A stable steam supply is required for the operation of solid oxide electrolysis cells. Heated water bubblers are the most common method due to the simplicity and inherent safety of the method, however, several design challenges hinder effective implementation. Here, a stable and validated bubbler design is presented, capable of achieving very high steam concentrations, relatively high flow rates, and continuous operation. A piping and instrumentation diagram and bill of materials are provided to enable easy duplication. Critical design parameters are discussed, including safety considerations and materials requirements, which are applicable to any bubbler design. The practical implementation of bubblers is also presented, including methods to prevent condensation instability and reduce backpressure to achieve a stable steam supply. The 3″ x 6″ (7.6 cm × 15.2 cm) bubbler achieves up to 98% steam balance hydrogen at 200 sccm and up to 1 slpm at 96% steam.

08 - HYDROGEN↗

Preliminary Axial Flow Turbine Design and Off-Design Performance Analysis Methods for Rotary Wing Aircraft Engines: Validation - Part 1

For the preliminary design and the off-design performance analysis of axial flow turbines, a pair of intermediate level-of-fidelity computer codes, TD2-2 (design; reference 1) and AXOD (off-design; reference 2), are being evaluated for use in turbine design and performance prediction of the modern high performance aircraft engines. TD2-2 employs a streamline curvature method for design, while AXOD approaches the flow analysis with an equal radius-height domain decomposition strategy. Both methods resolve only the flows in the annulus region while modeling the impact introduced by the blade rows. The mathematical formulations and derivations involved in both methods are documented in references 3, 4 for TD2-2) and in reference 5 (for AXOD). The focus of this paper is to discuss the fundamental issues of applicability and compatibility of the two codes as a pair of companion pieces, to perform preliminary design and off-design analysis for modern aircraft engine turbines. Two validation cases for the design and the off-design prediction using TD2-2 and AXOD conducted on two existing high efficiency turbines, developed and tested in the NASA/GE Energy Efficient Engine (GE-E3) Program, the High Pressure Turbine (HPT; two stages, air cooled) and the Low Pressure Turbine (LPT; five stages, un-cooled), are provided in support of the analysis and discussion presented in this paper.

Chen, Shu-cheng, S.↗

Europa Clipper Payload Verification and Validation: Test and Analysis Program Design

NASA’s Europa Clipper mission – which is planned to launch in the mid-2020s – is designed to investigate the habitability of the jovian moon Europa with a state-of-the-art suite of over 10 sensors and instruments. Now past its project critical design review, Europa Clipper is starting the execution of its verification and validation (V&V) program. The payload V&V function in particular is responsible for designing and coordinating a thorough test and analysis program that will confirm the proper functioning and performance of our payload instruments. Given the large number of instruments to manage, we have developed a suite of standardized tests and analyses that are designed to cover all of the common interfaces across instruments, while allowing for flexibility to support the unique needs of individual instruments. This suite of activities, coordinated and/or performed by the payload team, forms the bulk of our payload verification and validation campaign. This paper provides a detailed summary of the full set of V&V activities in that suite, covering the four categories of activities: analysis of lower-level evidence, analysis via simulation, testing in the system testbeds, and testing in assembly, test, and launch operations (ATLO). We will describe the purpose of each activity type, how the activities are developed, and the review process for each type of activity. We then define the complete list of activities written for each instrument and how subtleties specific to certain instruments are managed. The discussion will provide a comprehensive understanding of the activities in the payload V&V purview and how various interfaces with different levels of the project are managed. This paper also describes key metrics the payload team uses to track V&V progress and some insights into the teaming design and division of labor we use to ensure consistency and completeness across the entire payload suite. Finally, the paper will offer a snapshot of the status of the Payload V&V program prior to instrument delivery and offer insights into the upcoming phase of instrument delivery and the start of ATLO.

Lee, Dennis↗

NDARC - NASA Design and Analysis of Rotorcraft Validation and Demonstration

Validation and demonstration results from the development of the conceptual design tool NDARC (NASA Design and Analysis of Rotorcraft) are presented. The principal tasks of NDARC are to design a rotorcraft to satisfy specified design conditions and missions, and then analyze the performance of the aircraft for a set of off-design missions and point operating conditions. The aircraft chosen as NDARC development test cases are the UH-60A single main-rotor and tail-rotor helicopter, the CH-47D tandem helicopter, the XH-59A coaxial lift-offset helicopter, and the XV-15 tiltrotor. These aircraft were selected because flight performance data, a weight statement, detailed geometry information, and a correlated comprehensive analysis model are available for each. Validation consists of developing the NDARC models for these aircraft by using geometry and weight information, airframe wind tunnel test data, engine decks, rotor performance tests, and comprehensive analysis results; and then comparing the NDARC results for aircraft and component performance with flight test data. Based on the calibrated models, the capability of the code to size rotorcraft is explored.

Johnson, Wayne↗

Overview of the MEDLI Project

The Mars Science Laboratory Entry, Descent, and Landing Instrumentation (MEDLI) Project's objectives are to measure aerothermal environments, sub-surface heatshield material response, vehicle orientation, and atmospheric density for the atmospheric entry and descent phases of the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) entry vehicle. The flight science objectives of MEDLI directly address the largest uncertainties in the ability to design and validate a robust Mars entry system, including aerothermal, aerodynamic and atmosphere models, and thermal protection system (TPS) design. The instrumentation suite will be installed in the heatshield of the MSL entry vehicle. The acquired data will support future Mars entry and aerocapture missions by providing measured atmospheric data to validate Mars atmosphere models and clarify the design margins for future Mars missions. MEDLI thermocouple and recession sensor data will significantly improve the understanding of aeroheating and TPS performance uncertainties for future missions. MEDLI pressure data will permit more accurate trajectory reconstruction, as well as separation of aerodynamic and atmospheric uncertainties in the hypersonic and supersonic regimes. This paper provides an overview of the project including the instrumentation design, system architecture, and expected measurement response.

Gazarik, Michael J.↗

Overview of the MEDLI Project

The Mars Science Laboratory Entry, Descent, and Landing Instrumentation (MEDLI) Project s objectives are to measure aerothermal environments, sub-surface heatshield material response, vehicle orientation, and atmospheric density for the atmospheric entry and descent phases of the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) entry vehicle. The flight science objectives of MEDLI directly address the largest uncertainties in the ability to design and validate a robust Mars entry system, including aerothermal, aerodynamic and atmosphere models, and thermal protection system (TPS) design. The instrumentation suite will be installed in the heatshield of the MSL entry vehicle. The acquired data will support future Mars entry and aerocapture missions by providing measured atmospheric data to validate Mars atmosphere models and clarify the design margins for future Mars missions. MEDLI thermocouple and recession sensor data will significantly improve the understanding of aeroheating and TPS performance uncertainties for future missions. MEDLI pressure data will permit more accurate trajectory reconstruction, as well as separation of aerodynamic and atmospheric uncertainties in the hypersonic and supersonic regimes. This paper provides an overview of the project including the instrumentation design, system architecture, and expected measurement response.

Gazarik, Michael J.↗

Validation test of 125 Ah advanced design IPV nickel-hydrogen flight cells

An update of validation test results confirming the advanced design nickel-hydrogen cell is presented. An advanced 125 Ah individual pressure vessel (IPV) nickel-hydrogen cell was designed. The primary function of the advanced cell is to store and deliver energy for long-term, Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) spacecraft missions. The new features of this design, which are not incorporated in state-of-the-art design cells, are: (1) use of 26 percent rather than 31 percent potassium hydroxide (KOH) electrolyte; (2) use of a patented catalyzed wall wick; (3) use of serrated-edge separators to facilitate gaseous oxygen and hydrogen flow within the cell, while still maintaining physical contact with the wall wick for electrolyte management; and (4) use of a floating rather than a fixed stack (state-of-the-art) to accommodate nickel electrode expansion due to charge/discharge cycling. The significant improvements resulting from these innovations are extended cycle life; enhanced thermal, electrolyte, and oxygen management; and accommodation of nickel electrode expansion. Six 125 Ah flight cells based on this design were fabricated by Eagle-Picher. Three of the cells contain all of the advanced features (test cells) and three are the same as the test cells except they do not have catalyst on the wall wick (control cells). All six cells are in the process of being evaluated in a LEO cycle life test at the Naval Weapons Support Center, Crane, IN, under a NASA Lewis Research Center contract. The catalyzed wall wick cells have been cycled for over 19000 cycles with no cell failures in the continuing test. Two of the noncatalyzed wall wick cells failed (cycles 9588 and 13,900).

Smithrick, John J.↗

Validation test of 125 Ah advanced design IPV nickel-hydrogen flight cells

An update of validation test results confirming the advanced design nickel-hydrogen cell is presented. An advanced 125 Ah individual pressure vessel Ni-H cell was designed. The primary function of the advanced cell is to store and deliver energy for long-term LEO spacecraft missions. The new features of this design are: (1) use of 26 percent rather than 31 percent KOH electrolyte; (2) use of a patented catalyzed wall wick; (3) use of serrated-edge separators to facilitate gaseous O and H flow within the cell, while maintaining physical contact with the wall wick for electrolyte management; and (4) use of a floating rather than a fixed stack to accommodate Ni electrode expansion due to charge/discharge cycling. The significant improvements resulting from these innovations are extended cycle life; enhanced thermal, electrolyte, and oxygen management; and accommodation of Ni electrode expansion. Six 125 Ah flight cells based on this design were fabricated; the catalyzed wall wick cells have been cycled for over 19,000 cycles with no cell failures in the continuing test. Two of the noncatalyzed wall wick cells failed (cycles 9588 and 13,900).

Smithrick, John J.↗

Supersonic, nonlinear, attached-flow wing design for high lift with experimental validation

Results of the experimental validation are presented for the three dimensional cambered wing which was designed to achieve attached supercritical cross flow for lifting conditions typical of supersonic maneuver. The design point was a lift coefficient of 0.4 at Mach 1.62 and 12 deg angle of attack. Results from the nonlinear full potential method are presented to show the validity of the design process along with results from linear theory codes. Longitudinal force and moment data and static pressure data were obtained in the Langley Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel at Mach numbers of 1.58, 1.62, 1.66, 1.70, and 2.00 over an angle of attack range of 0 to 14 deg at a Reynolds number of 2.0 x 10 to the 6th power per foot. Oil flow photographs of the upper surface were obtained at M = 1.62 for alpha approx. = 8, 10, 12, and 14 deg.

Pittman, J. L.↗

Structural Analysis of a Serpentine Superconducting Magnet for the Interaction Region of the Electron Ion Collider

The electron ion collider (EIC) is under design to collide the high energy and highly polarized hadron with electron beams with luminosities up to 10 34 cm −2 s −1 . The superconducting magnet designs at the interaction region (IR) are quite challenging due to the close proximity of the hadron and electron beams. Several serpentine types of superconducting magnets have been designed due to the space restrictions at the IR. Here, to validate the designs in terms of the mechanical strength, structural integrity, as well as the allowed deformations, a detailed structural mechanical analysis for a 12-layer superconducting quadrupole serpentine magnet (Q1BpR) in the rear side hadron beams has been carried out using the finite element method (FEM) considering the pretension stress, shrinking due to cool down, and the electromagnetic force on the conductors. Anisotropy material properties and individual roving tension have been considered. The electro-magnetic (EM) simulations were performed using COMSOL, confirmed with RAT, the structural mechanical analysis were performed using COMSOL by considering the contact elements.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Application of Laminar Flow Control Technology to Long-Range Transport Design

The impact of laminar flow control (LFC) technology on aircraft structural design concepts and systems was discussed and the corresponding benefits were shown in terms of performance and fuel economy. Specific topics discussed include: (1) recent advances in laminar boundary layer development and stability analysis techniques in terms of suction requirements and wing suction surface design; (2) validation of theory and realistic simulation of disturbances and off-design conditions by wind tunnel testing; (3) compatibility of aerodynamic design of airfoils and wings with LFC requirements; (4) structural alternatives involving advanced alloys or composites in combinations made possible by advanced materials processing and manufacturing techniques; (5) addition of suction compressor and drive units and their location on the aircraft; and (6) problems associated with operation of LFC aircraft, including accumulation of insects at low altitudes and environmental considerations.

Gratzer, L. B.↗

Earth-to-orbit propulsion turbomachinery subsystem: Overview

The topics presented are covered in viewgraph form. The objectives are: (1) to develop the technology related to the turbomachinery systems of high performance rocket engines, which focuses on advanced design methodologies and concepts, develops high performance turbomachinery data bases, and validates turbomachinery design tools; and (2) specific turbomachinery subsystems and disciplines, which focus on turbine stages, pump stages, bearings, deals, structural dynamics, complex flow paths, materials, manufacturability, producibility, and inspectability, rotordynamics, and fatigue/fracture/life.

Schutzenhofer, L. A.↗

Solid Lubricants and Coatings for Extreme Environments: State-of-the-Art Survey

An investigation was conducted to survey anticipated requirements for solid lubricants in lunar and Martian environments, as well as the effects of these environments on lubricants and their performance and durability. The success of habitats and vehicles on the Moon and Mars, and ultimately, of the human exploration of and permanent human presence on the Moon and Mars, are critically dependent on the correct and reliable operation of many moving mechanical assemblies and tribological components. The coefficient of friction and lifetime of any lubricant generally vary with the environment, and lubricants have very different characteristics under different conditions. It is essential, therefore, to select the right lubrication technique and lubricant for each mechanical and tribological application. Several environmental factors are hazardous to performance integrity on the Moon and Mars. Potential threats common to both the Moon and Mars are low ambient temperatures, wide daily temperature swings (thermal cycling), solar flux, cosmic radiation, and large quantities of dust. The surface of Mars has the additional challenges of dust storms, winds, and a carbon dioxide atmosphere. Solid lubricants and coatings are needed for lunar and Martian applications, where liquid lubricants are ineffective and undesirable, and these lubricants must perform well in the extreme environments of the Moon, Mars, and space, as well as on Earth, where they will be assembled and tested. No solid lubricants and coatings and their systems currently exist or have been validated that meet these requirements, so new solid lubricants must be designed and validated for these applications.

Miyoshi, Kazuhisa↗

The Space Operations Simulation Center (SOSC) and Closed-Loop Hardware Testing for Orion Rendezvous System Design

The exploration goals of Orion / MPCV Project will require a mature Rendezvous, Proximity Operations and Docking (RPOD) capability. Ground testing autonomous docking with a next-generation sensor such as the Vision Navigation Sensor (VNS) is a critical step along the path of ensuring successful execution of autonomous RPOD for Orion. This paper will discuss the testing rationale, the test configuration, the test limitations and the results obtained from tests that have been performed at the Lockheed Martin Space Operations Simulation Center (SOSC) to evaluate and mature the Orion RPOD system. We will show that these tests have greatly increased the confidence in the maturity of the Orion RPOD design, reduced some of the latent risks and in doing so validated the design philosophy of the Orion RPOD system. This paper is organized as follows: first, the objectives of the test are given. Descriptions of the SOSC facility, and the Orion RPOD system and associated components follow. The details of the test configuration of the components in question are presented prior to discussing preliminary results of the tests. The paper concludes with closing comments.

Milenkovic, Zoran↗

Integrated Oxygen Flow Meter/Heat Exchanger for Portable Life Support Systems

Space suits for future exploration missions will have multi-mission goals with new and challenging requirements for the portable life support system (PLSS). In particular, the space suit ventilation loop requires cooling and flow measurement components that must meet specifications that go well beyond the capabilities of the components used for the existing Extravehicular Mobility Unit. The flow meter must have high measurement accuracy over a wide flow range, compatibility with pure oxygen, low pressure losses, and very compact size. The heat exchanger that cools the ventilation loop must be built from materials that are compatible with the liquid cooling loop, and it must provide efficient gas cooling in a small package across conditions ranging from normal suit pressure to elevated pressure. This paper describes the development of a novel device that combines the flow measurement and cooling functions in a single, compact flow meter/heat exchanger (FMHX). We have developed design methods that enable us to assess trade-offs, optimize performance, and specify the design of an FMHX that meets the requirements and constraints for operation in future PLSSs. We used empirical design correlations combined with computational fluid dynamics analysis to design the FMHX design. Data from tests of a proof-of-concept FMHX validate the design methods and show that the device meets all design requirements. We used the results from these tests to refine the design parameters and predict performance of an optimized, prototype FMHX.

Izenson, Michael G.↗